Hopping Gnome brewery to open on East Douglas near the Donut Whole

WICHITA — Lots of people dream of turning a hobby into a business, but Torrey Lattin – with his wife's blessing – is doing it.

"My wife and I are starting a small craft beer brewing company here in Wichita," Lattin says.

"It has been a hobby of mine that turned into an obsession, and now I'm hoping I can make some money at it and share my excitement for craft beer with Wichita."

Lattin hopes to open the Hopping Gnome at 1710 E. Douglas, which is a few doors west of the Donut Whole, by November.

"In folklore, gnomes are known for their drinking," he says.

"Hopping" is for the hops he'll use in brewing.

Lattin is a 3D drafter and designer for MKEC Engineering. His wife, Stacy Ward Lattin, works for the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland. She won't be part of the day-to-day business, but Lattin says his wife encouraged him to open it.